Veteran tight end Jonnu Smith enjoyed far and away the most productive season of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 campaign.
He played in all 17 of Miami’s contests and posted career-highs in receiving yards (884), receptions (88) and first downs receiving (55). He also equaled his career-high in touchdown receptions (eight). The play of Smith was one of the bright spots for a Miami offense that went through plenty of ups and downs during the season.
Following his career year, Smith was asked whether he has spoken to Dolphins general manager Chris Grier about a new deal. He declined to answer the question. Smith signed a two-year contract with the Dolphins in the 2024 offseason.
“I plead the Fifth,” Smith said in response.
Smith was one of the Dolphins’ more productive offensive players in his inaugural season with the team according to several metrics. He ranked first on the team in some of those aforementioned categories, like receiving touchdowns, receptions and first downs receiving. He also finished second in receiving yards behind only wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
The 29-year-old’s incredibly successful season might have caught some fans of the team by surprise, as he’s spent much of his career as a complementary player and not a star. Prior to joining the Dolphins, he had never totaled more than 582 receiving yards in a single season.
Miami marks the fourth team that Smith has suited up for since he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans back in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Aside from the Titans and Dolphins, he has also spent time playing for the New England Patriots as well as the Atlanta Falcons.
Now that Smith has proven that he can play at a very high level in Miami’s offensive system, Dolphins fans should expect him to be a large component of the team’s offensive attack once again in the 2025 campaign. With any luck, Smith and the Dolphins will soon come to terms on a new deal that will satisfy everyone.
At 29 years old, Smith isn’t exactly a spring chicken in the NFL world, but he should have some impactful seasons left in the tank, and the Dolphins will hope to be the beneficiaries.
